Nitto utilized two unique materials to its winter tire compounds to increase traction. First, walnut shells acts like “mini-studs” that scratch and dig into ice and snow. Second, bamboo charcoal is a porous material that works like a sponge to soak up the thin film of water on icy road surfaces.

Advanced Siping Technologies

Siping is one of the most important tire technologies for wet and snow traction. On the NT90W, Nitto uses densely packed 3D Multiwave and 3D Interlocking sipes that provide stable handling performance with less tread flex. The secret is their interlocking ripple design.

Dual Zone Compound

A tire's compound greatly influences its performance characteristics. Nitto revolutionized its winter tire technology by introducing a dual zone compound. The inner half of the tire aids in winter acceleration/braking and the outer half of the tire aids in winter handling.

Expanded Operating Temperatures

Silica is equally distributed throughout the tread compound for improved winter handling. This helps the tire maintain flexibility at low operating temperatures.

Enhanced Wet Traction

The combination of circumferential grooves and wide lateral grooves evacuate slush from the pattern for increased grip.